Purpose University

I couldn't wait to tell you about my experience with the peanut butter, fried banana, and bacon burger the other week. Like... I can't wait to try it again because it's become one of my favorite. If you know me, then you know that I looooove a good burger. And, I'll say, it's crazy how life sends us messages in some of the least expected ways. Mine... A burger!Join The First-Gen Lounge Family: www.thefirstgenlounge.com/family. Track by The Boy: https://theboy.beatstars.com/music/tracks See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

How do you go from homeless to being a Gates Millenium Scholar? What do you do to pull yourself out of poverty to create a better life for yourself? How do you face the world as a bi-racial woman? In our conversation with Kayla, we learn that the key is you believe in something greater, deeper, and more powerful than you. Kayla Storrs is a Gates Millennium Scholar, higher education professional, full-time doctoral student, serves as an adjunct professor, and entrepreneur. In all of her work, she supports the exact populations of students that reflect her background from growing up--literally living out her purpose and aligning herself perfectly with her identity and experiences.Connect with Kayla: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayla-storrs-mph-31a05070/, https://www.instagram.com/callmek_la/. Joint The First-Gen Lounge Family: www.thefirstgenlounge.com/family. Track by The Boy: https://theboy.beatstars.com/music/tracks. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

How has the way you were born and raised shaped you? Have you ever found yourself wanting to stretch your wings, try something new, but not really knowing how to go about doing it? Jay Hayes, a native of Mississippi, talk with us about what it means to decide you who want to be, pursue that person, and taking care of yourself (mentally, emotionally, and spiritually) in the process. Jay is a bilingual mental health advocate, graduate intern, and educator. He’s been recognized for educational scholarship both domestically and internationally.Get Connected with Jay: https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-landon-hayes-6862709a, https://instagram.com/dr.j.ontheway, https://drjontheway.wordpress.com/. Join The Purpose Professor Family: www.thepurposeprofessor.com/family Submit A Question for the Show: www.thepurposeprofessor.com/ask. Track by The Boy: https://theboy.beatstars.com/music/tracks. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

I'm trying something a little new this week. In this week's episode, I'll be answering a question submitted by first-gen family member, Mike.Book Dr. Eve: www.thepurposeprofessor.com/passthemic. Join The Purpose Professor Family: www.thepurposeprofessor.com/family. Submit A Question for the Show: www.thepurposeprofessor.com/ask. Track by The Boy: https://theboy.beatstars.com/music/tracks. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

How do you find your voice in a world that's constantly telling you who and what to be? How do you recognize when your voice has evolved? Even more, when you recognize the change, what do you do about it? Rapper turned podcaster, Quay (also known as Kain), knows a thing or two about discovering, rediscovering, and owning one's voice. Quay is an artist that creates community through education, art, and technology. Utilizing his platforms for purpose, he is able to create and collaborate to serve. Creating for and shaped by -- the people.Connect with Quay: www.callmekain.com, www.instagram.com/callmekain, www.linkedin.com/in/callmekain. Join The First-Gen Lounge Family: www.thefirstgenlounge.com/family. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Happy 7-0-4! As a Charlotte, North Carolina native, this is one of my favorite days of the year... because it's 704. Anywho... Life can be a winding road; however, no matter how the path may be, one of the things that we have to come to understand is that we are responsible for ourselves. Sabian, in spite of the circumstances that life presented him, learned this lesson at an early age and since has been committed to taking responsibility for himself and his future. Sabian was born in Panama City, Panama; however, he’s lived in Panama, Germany, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Virginia then finally moving to Charlotte, North Carolina (whoop, whoop!). He attended NC State University and later transferred to Winston-Salem State University where he graduated with a degree in Sports Business Management with a minor in Accounting. Sabian believes his talents serve a greater purpose—to educate people on the importance of home ownership, as well as provide unmatched service to every person with whom he works. He is a h

How does a Black woman with a successful career in tech end up becoming a full-time entrepreneur in interior design? Here's the answer: She found an outlet! It's important for all of us, no matter what we do, to find something that we truly enjoy doing... something that excites and fulfills us. So, here's to exploration and creating balance!Connect with Ebony: www.thevogueroom.co, www.instagram.com/thevogueroom, www.linkedin.com/ebonystaten. Join The First-Gen Family: www.thepurposeprofessor.com/family Track by The Boy: https://theboy.beatstars.com/music/tracks See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

What do you do when you’re stuck? How long do you stay stuck? The trouble with being stuck is that, more often than not, we find ourselves in a negative head space that can put a damper on our overall well-being. In today’s session, you’ll walk through a process for getting unstuck so that you don’t have to stay in your head (or feelings) too long.Guest Blog Post for First-Gen Rise: https://www.firstgenrise.com/home/new-graduate-the-time-in-between8098086. Join The First-Gen Lounge Family: www.thefirstgenlounge.com/family. Track by The Boy: https://theboy.beatstars.com/music/tracks See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Have you ever had an idea that you just set on because you didn't know what to do with it? Is that idea still something that you roll around in your mind? Can you imagine what your life would be if you challenged yourself to bring that idea to life? Our friend, Kymone, decided to do just that... he left ministry to make his ideas come to life. For him, the ideas lead him to entrepreneurship, podcasting, and coaching. Kymone Hinds is a natural encourager who helps leaders to bring their Ideas to Life. For over 15 years, Kymone has empowered people to live abundant lives as a minister. His clear presentations utilize visual aids that allow him to reach different types of learners and move them to action. He is a much sought after speaker that has traveled internationally.Connect with Kymone: www.linkedin.com/in/kymonehinds, www.instagram.com/kymonehinds, www.kymonehinds.com. Join The First-Gen Lounge Family: www.thefirstgenlounge.com/family. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

For-profit or non-profit? Business suit or business casual? What is a mentor? How is a mentor different from a sponsor? Natural hair or relaxed? How can I express my individuality in the workplace? Is your head spinning yet because... the questions don't stop there. Ayi yi yi! So many things to consider as a first-generation college graduate turn professional; however, Dr. Tasha Gardner is here to provide us with some insight drawn from her experiences in both corporate America and education. Spoiler Alert: One isn't necessarily better than the other.Dr. Tasha Gardner has been employed at Drexel University for over 12 years. Currently, she serves as Director for the newly formed Center for Inclusive Education and Scholarship at Drexel University--the center supports students from traditionally underrepresented and underserved backgrounds. Dr. Tasha holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration both from Drexel. Recently, she completed her doctoral

Have you ever heard that saying that failure is not final? While there will be times in life when circumstances may not turn out as planned, that does not me it is the end for us. As a matter of fact, our guest, Dr. Mia D. Johnson, is proof that you can bounce back. Although she flunked out of her first year of college, she'd go on to become a first-generation college graduate, Ph.D., Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Associate Professor of Psychology and Human Services, Consultant and Speaker (Elevation through Education). Amazing how things come full circle, right?A Muncie, IN native, Dr. Mia D. Johnson graduated from Ivy Tech Community College in 2003 and then went on to earn both her Bachelor’s and Masters’ degrees in Psychology, and a PhD in Global Leadership with a Higher Education concentration in 2016. Mia is active in the community serving as the President-Elect for the YWCA- Central Indiana, sits on the board of directors for the United Way of Delaware County, the YMCA Muncie, and the Communi

What happens when organizations (like Students Rising Above--an organization committed to helping first-generation, low-income students thrive) invests in its youth? The doors of opportunity open, lives are impacted, and generations are changed... this is what happens when students rise above! Hailing from San Pablo, California born but born in Michoacan, Mexico, we have with us Brenda Valadez--a 23-year-old homeowner who paid off her student debts four months after graduating. Currently, Brenda works as both a Client Relations Coordinator for an economic firm and College and Career Advisor for Students Rising Above. In her spare time, she's enjoying life with her amazing fiance and engaging in a little self-care.Connect with Brenda: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenda-valadez-077504135/, https://www.instagram.com/_brendita_paz/. Learn More About Students Rising Above: https://studentsrisingabove.org/. Track by Pleasant Podcasts: https://pleasantpodcasts.com/ Join The First-Gen Lounge Family: www.thefirstgenlo

Three years. Threeeeee years. The Purpose Professor Limited Liability Company turned THREE today. Wow! Super excited and reflective, I decided to share with you the nine (9) lessons that I've learned as an entrepreneur thus far. Join The First-Gen Lounge Family: www.thefirstgenlounge.com/family. Track by The Boy: https://youtu.be/_CWl6ybtHyE. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Celebrating TEN years of being a first-generation graduate--an alumnus of Shaw University. So, in this episode, it's no script or plan... I'm purely reflecting and sharing my honest thoughts and feelings about the past ten years of my life to commemorate this day. I don't doubt that I could have talked muuuuuuuch longer and said many more things; however, I thought I'd share what's on my heart... and whatever is shared in this moment is just what I needed to say for those who need to hear it. As always... Keep pressing forward! (P.S. Half way through the show... I realized I ain't have the Yeti mic on.. Ahhhh ha ha ha. I told y'all this was my first live!)Join The First-Gen Lounge Family: www.thefirstgenlounge.com/family. Track by The Boy: https://youtu.be/_CWl6ybtHyE See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Where are my first-gen Mamas? Heeeey, Girl! I am super PROUD of you... and I see you, literally because... With us this week is a native of Southern California, Janet Reyes who is a Mexican-American first-gen Speech Pathologist Graduate Student, who proves that it's NEVER too late to go back to school. For those of you first-gen Mamas out there who need a little push, Janet's story is guaranteed to empower you while navigating this untraditional collegiate path and how social media can be your greatest ally during your academic journey!Get Connected with Janet: https://www.instagram.com/slpgradstudent.diary/. Join The First-Gen Lounge Family: www.thefirstgenlounge.com/family. Track by The Boy: https://theboy.beatstars.com/music/tracks. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. So, I ask… What are you doing to take care of yourself? What are your self-care practices? Are you getting the help that you need to be emotionally well? Dr. Danica Harris delivers a much-needed reminder to that you must not only empower yourself, but… you be proactive in taking care of YOU! Dr. Danica Harris is a therapist and co-owner of a private practice in Dallas, TX called Empowered Healing Dallas and Clinical Professor at Texas Woman's University. Further, she runs the instagram account @theempoweredtherapist where she shares trauma-informed mental health information.Connect with Dr. Harris: www.empoweredhealingdallas.com, https://www.instagram.com/theempoweredtherapist/. Join The First-Gen Lounge Family: www.thefirstegenlounge.com/family. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

When you realize that something needs to change, do you sit back do nothing or dare to do something? One part of being a first-gen is learning to navigate the world AND realizing when to take action. In this session, Diarra Clarke chats with us about her experiences through education and yoga led her to want to make a difference in her community through both education and spiritually. Diarra Clarke is s a first-gen Jamaican graduate who experienced the education system differently and consequently created Star Seed & Co. which is dedicated to curricula and workshop development. As a part of this initiative, she curates curricula and programs for adult educators, community members, and the youth. In addition to teaching, she a dedicated artist as well, I using Royal Third Apparel, a point and paint clothing line of apparel that represents her yoga practice, Soul Flex Yogini, where she focuses on the alignment of the chakras and the utilization of the third eye, or enlightenment.Connect with Diarra: https:/

Life is filled with so many transitions... so much change and all of the time. While we can expect for the changes to happen, we don’t always realize what those changes will mean to us once things settle—we don’t actually “feel it” until things settle. So, during the many changes and transitions of your own life, I’d like to offer you five quick tips for navigating new chapters. Keep pressing forward!Join The First-Gen Lounge Family: www.thefirstgenlounge.com/family. Track by The Boy: https://youtu.be/_CWl6ybtHyE See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

What do you do when you've worked hard all of your life just to get to your dream and realize you don't want it? Leander D. Williams, Jr. always wanted to be a lawyer. In his mind, it was the thing to do--a way out of poverty and path to financial freedom. However, he'd made it to law school (a dream realized) just to find it was no longer the dream. While he went on to finish the journey he started, he found himself pivoting in a way that he'd never imagined. Now, Leander is working tirelessly to create change in his community through financial literacy and entrepreneurship. He's the co-owner of both WK Financial Group, LLC and Maple Daisy Properties, LLC. The most important thing he wants people to know... "I'm just a kid from Beulah, Mississippi."Connect with Leander: http://linkedin.com/in/leander-williams-jr-5a116123, www.instagram.com/leanderwilliamsjr, www.wkfingroup.com. Join The First-Gen Lounge Family: www.thefirstgenlounge.com/family. Track by The Boy: https://youtu.be/_CWl6ybtHyE See acast.com/pri

True or False: Just because your parents didn’t go to college means they can’t inspire you to go. Answer: False. While Dr. Kamshia Child’s parents never went to college, bringing home the newspaper and encouraging her to read fed into her love for learning which turned into her quest for higher education—a journey that would lead her down a path to make great strides and impact in BOTH K-12 and post-secondary education.Dr. Kamshia Childs is a native of Wichita, KS, and she currently resides in the Dallas Metropolitan Area. Dr. Childs obtained an Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction at Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas. She also holds a BS in Elementary Education (ESL), and a MS in Curriculum and Instruction (Reading and Language Arts) from Kansas State University. Dr. Childs has been a Literacy Educator for over 15 years, and she has worked in rural and urban settings in K-12, and higher education. She has published several articles in peer-reviewed literacy journals, written a self-published book, a